artist profile | behind the scenes

ASHLEY SURBER | SUWANEE, GA

Sharing the love of art has become the imprint of so many of my conversations over the last couple of years. Amazing discussions have unfolded with dear friends, artists and strangers about art, what it tells us, how it makes us feel, why we want it in our space, and how it truly changes us – if we let it.

A couple of years ago, I stumbled into a gallery in Charleston, while on spring break with the family and these amazing, unique little pieces caught my eye – and so did the last name. Sharing the married name of my best friend, I immediately gave her a call to see if there was any relation and I discovered that the artist, Ashley Surber is a cousin of my best friend’s husband- these touch points, these connections bringing each of us closer together – creating cross country connections from Georgia to South Carolina to Virginia to Montana. Art truly connects us.

I always smile when I see Ashley’s work. There is something that just pulls you into the image, searching for meaning between the elements – the opposites that attract. Whether Ashley is working on a large canvas or small piece of paper, the detail she adds to the surface is amazing. Little elements, making a big statement. Her signature penguin showing up in all shorts of scenes, eliciting emotions of joy and a depth of interest that is surprising.

Meet Ashley and take a look at some of my favorites! for sale exclusively for Art For The Home for a limited time.

So, tell us a little secret about your work ...

I always incorporate 3 rings on my work.....A, B, C. I also heavily mark my work with lots of meaningful things but one of them is a doodle my granny used to draw when she would be on the phone or gossiping with my mom when I was a child.

Where are you from? Where do you live?
I’m from Roswell, Georgia and I currently live in Suwanee, Georgia.

How long have you been a professional artist?
16 years

Why did you pursue art as a career?

I love it! It never felt like a choice....it chose me. I’ve loved drawing and creating my whole life.

What is inspires you to paint?

I mostly get inspiration from people in my life or that I come across. Humor is my greatest inspiration....and nature. A beautiful day has me running for my paints.

When you are not painting, what do you like to do?

I love to be outside....walking and enjoying nature with my family. I also love movies and antiquing....they can both be very inspirational for my work.

Favorite gift received

My girls!

Favorite food

Rich, French food is up there but I rarely get to indulge. I also love sweets! And anything chocolate.

Favorite drink

Coffee!! All day long!

Favorite vacation spot.

Anywhere by the ocean. I have a soft spot for Hilton Head Island, SC.. It’s where my husband and I vacationed regularly before we got married. We also got married on the beach on Hilton Head Island.

3 things you could not live without (at the moment).

Peppermint chapstick, horizon blue paint, and coffee (did I mention that already?).